Results

This programme is the first and largest cross-sectoral service programme in Hong Kong that aims to help senior citizens prevent dementia Over one million was raised through community donation and CLP’s matching donation There were a total of 78 participating units (22 Elderly Community Centres, 38 Neighbourhood Elderly Centres, 11 Social Centres for the Elderly and 7 other elderly service units), covering 40% of all elderly centres in Hong Kong

A total of 163 dementia awareness promotional activities were organised, reaching 19,779 senior citizens A total of 5,339 senior citizens were given cognitive impairment assessments free of charge Among the 3,748 senior citizens diagnosed with early memory impairment, 1,924 undertook an eight-week memory training course, of which 1,775 completed the programme Around 70% of the graduates showed improvements in cognitive functioning following the memory training programme and such improvements were proven statistically significant

Conclusion and Recommendations

• More similar programmes should be implemented, with introduction of additional systematic and clinically-researched training courses for Early Intervention and Early Treatment to ease or lower the incidence of dementia, which will reduce pressures on families and the public health system
  
  
• Expand the scope of service to cover more senior citizens who may have cognitive problems
  
  
• Promote public education and awareness of dementia in the community, and cultivate positive attitudes
  
  
• Inculcate the elderly and their caregivers with the necessary knowledge of dementia, and train social workers and healthcare professionals

For details of the programme results, please read the full version of report